Uptake of β-glucan occurs primarily in the ileum area through specialized cells called M cells (M = microfold). Overlying follicles that
help grab key particles surround the dome shaped center of the M cells. M cells take up particulate through a mechanical process called pinocytosis
(the uptake by a cell by invagination). This is a physical grabbing of the particles and pulling them through the lining of the intestinal wall.
A large number of T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells hover here and as the phagocytes engulf and digest antigen, they then present
antigen markers to the T cells. It is remarkable that M cells will take soluble as well as particulate materials.